Pentagon to produce Israeli-developed Rockwell-Elbit pilot helmet

New helmet to be introduced to the US Army's F-35 fleet in 2016.

The Pentagon has announced that it will manufacture a pilot helmet for F-35 fighter jets co-developed by Rockwell Collins avionics manufacturer and Israel’s defense electronics company Elbit Systems.

The Gen 3 helmet will include an improved night vision camera, new liquid-crystal displays, automated alignment and software improvements. It is to be introduced to the fleet in 2016.

The Rockwell Collins Elbit Systems of America Vision Systems team also developed the Gen 2 helmet that F-35 pilots currently use.

“We appreciate the confidence and support of the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin leading to this decision,” Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, said in a statement. “The F-35 HMDS leverages tremendous innovation, technology base and experience gained by Elbit Systems and Rockwell Collins through nearly two decades of collaborating in development, production and fielding of thousands of advanced helmets for fighter aircraft. Elbit Systems is committed to the success of the F-35 program, providing the warfighter with an effective and affordable 5th generation fighter helmet mounted display solution.”

Kelly Ortberg, Chief Executive Officer and President, Rockwell Collins said in a statement: “We’re looking forward to the continued development and production of the third generation F-35 HMDS.”

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Viva Sarah Press reports on the creativity, innovation and ingenuity taking place in Israel. Her work has been published by international media outlets including Israel Television, CNN, Reuters, Time Out and The Jerusalem Post.